An archived stack of papers: 'Reform'
Something Simple?
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 30
- 2006
When I visited the KIPP school in San Francisco, something about their application of the KIPP strategies stuck out in my mind. They boast about high academic achievement and creating a culture where success if expected and failure is addressed; they have lots of systems to encourage this outlook on academics; the different small schools they have (for lack of... read more
Veiled Attempts
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 29
- 2006
Quite some time ago, someone sent me a copy of “Education and Moral Values: Seeking a New Bottom Line“, an article from a magazine titled Tikkun. Their Web site will tell you that tikkun means “to heal, repair, and transform the world.” However, while I appreciate their use of the serial comma,... read more
Addition By Subtraction
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 28
- 2006
Walking back from the soccer game yesterday, a hand on my car keys and attention on my conversation with my friend, I started thinking about taking a few things away, wondered if high school is too late, and considered the possibility of addition by subtraction.
What If We Got Rid Of Junior High Schools?
Are jr. highs a place where we allow students to fall into certain traps? Chris... read more
The Freedom To Fire
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 27
- 2006
Principals at public schools should have the freedom to hire and fire as they see fit, based on some objective criteria to avoid any power plays. Currently, they do not. Some folk will say this is a good idea and propose that, if principals could hire and fire, teachers would have to suck up to the principal and not challenge decisions made by administration for fear of losing their job.
I think... read more
Ask And You Shall Receive
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 21
- 2006
My friend Rushton and I traveled up to San Francisco to visit a KIPP school called San Francisco Bay Academy. From reading this blog, you should note my unhappiness with the current system, yet unwillingness to believe that another prepackaged solution is the way to go or the prime thing to contribute to success. Since I am at... read more
Improvements To The System
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 16
- 2006
I didn’t take a single course that really focused on adolescent psychology during the time I was in the credential program. In fact, no such course was required then, nor is it required now if even offered.
There’s been a lot of writing lately about George Will’s ideas in regard to abolishing all ed schools. While I... read more
Start Time
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 11
- 2006
Driving down the road at a decent hour, having drank a good amount of coffee and eaten a reasonable breakfast, I breathed a sign of relief on this, the first day of first semester finals. Casual, relaxed, prepared, I pulled into my parking space and closed the door with a slight spring in my step as I walked to the classroom. Whistling lightly, taking note of the beautiful trees and chirping birds, I... read more
The World Of Possibilities: Public Education Reform
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jan
- 06
- 2006
I’ve been thinking lately about how I would change the public education system if I could. A friend of mine thinks that we are teaching in “dark times.” And, while I agree, I go a step further and say that, not only are the times dark, they bring with them a horrible realization: the public education system is broken (and maybe it always has been).
I used to be against things... read more
Addressing The Fs
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Dec
- 09
- 2005
Our administration presented some data about failing students to the staff at the inservice meeting last week and called it “‘F’ This.” Catchy title. Essentially, a large percentage of our students are failing and the thought is that there are things we could do to rech those kids, easy things and difficult things. This week, we met in departments to create plans to address the... read more
Evaluation Reform: Part Three – Administrative Voices?
In a stack of papers called Reform.
- Jul
- 12
- 2005
Teachers in my school district are currently evaluated by a bi-annual visit from an administrator (principals and the like). Every 2 years, an administrator spends 53 minutes in my classroom, taking notes on what happens during that time. That 53-minute period, that solitary visit to my classroom on a day and time that I know about well in advance is supposed to be some type of record of how effective I... read more